NFL Lockout Watch, Day 125: Jets Quiet Nassau's Training Camp Pursuit

Nassau County officials want the Jets to "bring the team's summer training camp back to Long Island, though the team says it's currently not interested in returning," according to Robert Brodsky of NEWSDAY. The Jets, who trained at Hofstra Univ. for 40 years, "moved their camp" to Florham Park, N.J., in '08 and now conduct their "three-week offseason practice at SUNY Cortland." Nassau Deputy County Exec Rob Walker "wants the Jets to move their camp to Mitchel Field in Uniondale when their deal with Cortland expires." But Jets Exec VP/Business Operations Matt Higgins "splashed water on the county's plan, noting that the team has 'no plans in the foreseeable future' to relocate its training camp." The Jets "have committed to practice at Cortland through 2013 and the team has an option for two additional years" (NEWSDAY, 7/14).

COWBOYS: San Antonio Dir of Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Michael Sawaya "dismissed an Internet report Tuesday that cast a pessimistic light on the chances" of the Cowboys hosting training camp at the Alamodome this year. FS Southwest had reported that the NFL lockout likely "would force the team to hold training camp at club headquarters in Irving." But Sawaya said, "Our discussions are with those (Cowboys officials) in charge of making plans for the camp. Until we hear differently, (plans for camp will continue). The Cowboys staff has told us they are still planning to hold camp in San Antonio this year if a (collective bargaining agreement) is reached soon" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 7/13).

COLTS: In Indianapolis, Mike Chappell reported the city of Anderson, Ind., and Anderson Univ. still "anticipate the arrival" of the Colts for training camp later this month. Anderson City Council member Art Pepelea on Tuesday said, "At this point in time, the city of Anderson is planning on them being here July 31. Everything is moving forward. Everything is a go on our end." The "only roadblock to holding camp at Anderson would be a failure of the owners and players to finalize a collective bargaining agreement in time to save the preseason." It is believed that the Colts and Anderson "have finalized a contract that will have the team training at Anderson University for at least the next five years" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 7/13).

STEELERS: Steelers President Art Rooney II on Monday said that team officials are "still planning to have training camp" at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. While at least three NFL teams "have already canceled plans to stage training camp at their usual off-site locations, the Steelers continue to hold out hope they will be able to report on time for the start of their 46th consecutive year at Saint Vincent." Rooney said, "We are still planning to go." The Steelers "have not scheduled a starting date for the official opening of camp, but it likely will be the weekend of July 29-31, which would be two weeks before their first preseason game" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 7/12).

VIKINGS: In Minneapolis, Judd Zulgad reported the Vikings have told Minnesota State Univ. officials that "they will let them know by Monday whether they will conduct training camp in Mankato this summer." There might be "some leeway available for that decision to be pushed back a few days if it appears the NFL lockout is going to be resolved next week." Vikings VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley said that the team "has been in contact with Minnesota State leaders on a daily basis" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 7/13).